The Druid V2: "Evolution, Not Revolution"
With the Druid V2 on its way to Wellington for our editor to review, here’s everything you should know about Forbidden Bikes’ latest creation: “the most capable trail bike we’ve ever made.”
“With geometry that effortlessly balances stability and agility, it is equally at home hammering out trail rides after work, crushing epic alpine traverses, and blasting weekend shuttle laps.” The V2 has been described as an “evolution” from its 2019 predecessor – so what’s new?
Inverted Four-Bar Layout
The most obvious change to the Druid is the shift to an inverted four-bar suspension design. This change was born from the goal to increase chain wrap around the chainring and eliminate the need for a lower chain guide.
V2 Trifecta Suspension Kinematic
A repositioned idler and new V2 Rate Control Linkage allow subtle improvements to the suspension system while keeping the soul of the bike 100% pure Druid. The result of these improvements is increased small bump sensitivity and grip, more mid-stroke support, improved bottom-out control, and optimized pedalling and braking characteristics.
One-Ride & S-Sizing - The right trail experience for every-body
The Druid’s geometry delivers a ride feel that keeps the rider’s weight balanced across both wheels, providing control and confidence.
Low stand-over heights and low seat tubes across the range mean a rider can choose a fit based on their body dimensions, preferred reach, and desired trail performance. The only real change here is in the sizing criteria. No more S, M, L, XL, just S1 – 4.
Bearings and Hardware
The bearing-in-rocker design of the new forged Rate Control Linkage allows the use of locking collet axles and oversized bearings for easy maintenance and dependability.
Cable Routing
Cables front to rear are internally routed and equipped with adaptable cable routing so you can run your brakes on whatever side you think is the “right one”. Cable port covers and guides on the front triangle and seatstays keep the hoses & cable housings in place for a rattle-free ride.
Frame Protection
Extensive chain slap protection on the seatstay and chainstay keeps paintwork clean while rubberised upper and lower downtube protection deflects trail projectiles and tailgate punishment. The downtube stash and snack compartment has toolless entry for easy access to your essential trailside stuff.
Druid X0 Build Spec Highlights
Frame | Druid V2 Full Carbon – 130mm Travel |
Fork | Rock Shox Lyrik Ultimate – 150mm Travel |
Rear Shock | Rock Shox Super Deluxe Ultimate |
Brakes | SRAM Code Stealth Ultimate HS2 180mm F&R |
Shifter Rear | SRAM AXS POD RIGHT |
Rear Derailleur | SRAM X0 AXS 12speed T-Type |
Cassette | SRAM XS-1295 10-52T 12speed |
Chain | SRAM X0 – 12speed T-Type |
Crankset | SRAM X0 Eagle 32T – 165mm |
Idler | Forbidden 18T Steel Idler Pulley |
Wheelset | Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro Carbon |
Front Tire | Maxxis Assegai 29″x2.5″ 3C Maxx Terra – EXO |
Rear Tire | Maxxis DHRII Wide Trail – 3C Maxx Terra – EXO+ |
Grips | Burgtec Bartender Pro |
Handle Bar | Burgtec Ride Wide Alloy (Size Specific) |
Stem | Burgtec MK3 Enduro Stem – 42.5mm |
Seat Post | OneUp Dropper Post (Size Specific) |
Saddle | Fizik Terra Alpaca X5 |
29” Geo Highlights | MX Geo Highlights(Compare to V2 29”) .5 deg slacker than a full 29” Druid V2 5mm shorter reach ST .5 slacker BB 5mm lower |
V2 Trifecta Suspension Kinematic Details
-Supple off the top – Improved grip compared to V1 by straightening this segment of the curve.
-Supportive mid-stroke, that remains open enough to absorb repetitive hits with no harshness.
-A further increase in the rate of change at the end of the stroke provides adequate bottom-out resistance and a bottomless feeling.
Anti-Rise
-Early in the stroke, there is sufficient anti-rise to maintain the geometry of the chassis under braking.
-As the bike moves deeper into its travel the anti-rise drops off significantly, allowing for a more active rear-end deep in the travel, resulting in more rear-wheel grip during harsh braking events.
Idler Position
– The pulley has been carefully positioned offset from the main pivot in order to fine-tune the anti-squat characteristics.
-Compared to V1 the steeper drop in anti-squat delivers less pedal feedback when the bike is deep in the stroke.
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